Rob Beckett

An obvious attempt to capitalise on the success of Sky One's superior A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle had none of that show's charm or boyish humour. Part of the reason for this was the bizarre decision to have Holly Willoughby host the show which I don't think suited her girl-next-door style. Indeed, I found that she failed to make any of her scripted lines remotely funny and her attempts to act like one of the boys fell flat. In my opinion Play to the Whistle would've been a lot better had team captain Bradley Walsh taken up hosting duties. As anybody who watches The Chase knows, Bradley Walsh is a fine anchor and he was the stand out performer against a mediocre group. The only other highlights were provided by Jimmy Bullard who was the show's recurring character, often competing against team members in a number of challenges. Bullard, who was the best contestant on last year's I'm a Celebrity, would've made a better team captain than the dull Frank Lampard and I do feel the roles on the show definitely need a rethink. The other problem was that each round didn't last very long meaning that it was hard to play along at home or indeed root for either team. One example saw comedian Rob Beckett take on Bullard in a hurdles race which lasted all of about thirty seconds and provoked no laughter to speak of. There was also very little humour provided by the opening five minutes of banter the majority of which didn't do much for the overall feel of the show. At the end of the day, for a programme that's meant to have comedy at its centre, there was nothing about Play to the Whistle that was very funny. I do feel that if Walsh had replaced Willoughby and Bullard had taken his place at least there would've been a bit more fun. But as it was Play to the Whistle is one of those shows that has been written by committee and looks destined to join the host of Saturday night shows that eventually sunk without a trace.

Rob Beckett: Leicester Comedy Festival review

I'd be interested in seeing him on tour, once he's sieved out all the not-so-funny parts and put together a strong set using the laugh-out-loud funny material, that made an appearance on Tuesday night.

Rob Beckett interview

Comedian and host of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'s ITV2 spin-off show, reveals he's too much of a "runny gob" to be trusted with the celebrity campmate list and while he loves the show isn't quite George of the Jungle yet.

Rob Beckett interview

Performing at the O2 was amazing. It's so ridiculous playing to 18,000 people.

Lloyd Griffith interview

After his stint supporting the lovely Rob Beckett on his sold out UK tour, angelic-voiced Lloyd Griffith comes to Edfringe to performs his sexy debut show. Really brilliant jokes and some truly incredible singing from this choirboy turned comedian and heartthrob. Songs. Jokes. A sexy man. Bring your family.

The Lloyd Griffith three minute interview

Fresh from supporting Rob Beckett on his sold out UK tour, angelic-voiced Lloyd Griffith performs his debut show at the Edinburgh Festival fringe. We can expect some 'really brilliant jokes' and some 'truly incredible singing' from this choirboy turned comedian and 'heartthrob'.

In time for the low-hanging comedic fruit of England's World Cup campaign, a return for the standard mix of mock-incredulity at everyday minutiae, repeated plunges into well-thumbed stand-up routines and hefty helpings of "epic" banter. This second episode of this new series has series mainstays Dara O'Briain, Hugh Dennis and Andy Parsons being joined by Rob Beckett, Gary Delaney, Josh Widdicombe and Sara Pascoe, the last possibly pressured to prove she's there on merit rather than due to a dictum from the BBC Trust.

Rob Beckett interview

Rob Beckett began his career whilst working 9-5 for a company which books conference rooms.

Review: Rob Beckett at the Little Theatre, Leicester

A fresh-faced young man - blonde hair, big toothy grin - bounded on to the stage using the audience as his comedy. A new Ken Dodd, you might ask? Well, nearly.

This week's new live comedy

Previews of Jack Whitehall, Catriona Knox and Rob Beckett.